Newcastle United signed Jetro Willems in the summer on a season-long loan from Eintracht Frankfurt. The Dutch fullback impressed for the Magpies in the first half of the season but the 25-year-old suffered a season-ending injury last month. Willems described his ACL injury by saying, “Like I’d been stabbed in the back of it (knee).”
Willems’ injury is quite severe, and he is expected to miss out even the start of the next season. Questions would also be there regarding whether he would be able to get back to his former best after an injury like this. Latest reports from the Chronicle states that Newcastle United were ready to pay £12m for him, but after the injury, Willems’ clause won’t be triggered now with more negotiations expected once the transfer window re-opens.
Willems still wants a return at Tyneside
The 25-year-old claimed that his chapter with Newcastle isn’t over and he would love to come back again. The fullback said, “Of course I would love to speak to Newcastle. I don’t want this to be my final time at the club. Come back next year? Why not?”
The fullback impressed with his defensive work rate and forward runs. Willems managed to score against the two top teams in the Premier League as he was on the scoresheet against both Liverpool and Manchester City. Both the goals were exceedingly well finished from the left.
Is Newcastle United making a mistake by not going after Willems for £12m?
The severity of his injury seems to be the primary cause behind Newcastle’s reluctance now to spend on the fullback. In the first half of the season, one might even say that Willems exceeded expectations. A £12m deal for a player who is 25 and in his prime looked like a bargain deal to many. However, things changed after the injury.
Willems will have to go through rehabilitation, and it remains to be seen how long it would take for him to get back to his best. Even the fullback talked about coming back next year in his latest interview, so one can expect him to be at his best by that time. This year is likely going to be about recovery, rehabilitation, and getting back the match fitness.
The Magpies brought in Danny Rose on loan in January, and if his deal is made permanent, then things don’t look bright for Willems. However, we feel that the club should see his progress in January next year and then they can make another approach to sign Willems if he seemingly gets back to his best. As for now, not going after him in the summer for £12m doesn’t look like a big mistake from the club.
